The Social Security Administration assigns a number to every U.S. citizen and legal immigrant. The number is a means to identity a person for employment, credit bureaus and federal jobs and benefits. Unfortunately, some people lose their number to identity thieves, who use the number to create a lifestyle that creates havoc for the person they stole the number from.

How It Happens

The Social Security Administration says that it does not give out Social Security numbers unless authorized to do so by law. They recommend that anyone with a Social Security number protect that number by asking questions when someone asks for it. Questions can include why it is needed, how it will be used and what will happen if you refuse. Identity thieves can get your number a variety of ways --- stealing a wallet or purse, stealing personal information from your home, your business or information you provide on the Internet, and by posing as someone that legitimately needs information about you. Thieves can also pay store employees for your information when you apply for services or a line of credit.

If You Suspect Identity Theft

If you believe someone else is using your Social Security number for work purposes, you should contact your local Social Security office, which can review your earnings to verify your records. You can also review your Social Security Statement (Form SSA-7005), which is mailed to wage earners 25 or older yearly and outlines their wages. You can also request the form at any time by phone. If you believe that someone has your number and is creating credit problems for you, you should call the Federal Trade Commission. The Social Security Administration also recommends that you review your credit report on a yearly basis.

Getting a New Number

The Social Security Administration says that if you have exhausted all avenues to resolve your issues with identity theft, it can provide you with a new number. To get one, you must prove your age, your U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. You must also provide evidence that your number is still being misused at the time of the application. If you do receive a new number, you will not be able to use the old number anymore.

Things To Consider

First, you may not apply for a new number if you are trying to avoid the consequences of filing for bankruptcy, if you are avoiding the law or there is no evidence that your number is being misused. Also, the SSA says that other governmental agencies and private businesses will probably have records under your old number. The SSA says that using a new number may not offer a fresh start with credit card companies either, especially if your name and address do not change. If old credit information is not associated with the new number, the absence of a credit history could make it hard to get new credit, says the SSA.

About the Author

T.L Chancellor has more than 12 years of newspaper reporting and editing experience. She has written extensively about education, business and city government. She has also worked at a public relations firm, focusing on environmental issues with clients.